THE Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Swamy Devasthanam Temple, the main site of the yearly Thaipusam festival in Kuala Lumpur, is one of the most famous places in Malaysia, if not the world.

Sri Mariamman Temple, Johor.

Its signature feature is the 272-step staircase that leads to the cave temple that was built as a homage to Lord Muruga.

Kaliamman Temple, Pangkor, Perak – The temple’s unique proximity to the sea and it overlooking the sea’s vast expanse is often compared to the renowned Trichendur temple in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple’s history dates back to 1922.

Sri Mariamman Temple, Johor – The five-tiered Rajagopuram sculpted with as many as 210 depictions of legends is the second tallest in Malaysia.

Batu Caves, Selangor – Located in Gombak district, the world-famous cave temple is graced by a 43m-high idol of Lord Muruga at its foot. It is the focal point of Thaipusam festival which annually attracts some two million devotees and tourists.

Kanthan Kaliamman, Perak – Serenely situated in Chemor town, this temple got its name from Kanthan Hill where it is situated.

Maran Marathaandavar, Pahang – The Lord blesses the world from under a sacred Ruthratcham tree at this temple nestled in a sheltered position in Jalan Jerantut.

Port Dickson Mariamman, Negri Sembilan – This temple dates back to 1927 when the English were ruling the region. The temple began its journey in a humble way on the seashore, but today stands majestically with an imposing structure in Port Dickson.

Maran Marathaandavar, Pahang

Subramaniyar Temple, Kedah – More than 100 years old, this temple in Sungai Petani was initiated by a childless couple who were later blessed with a baby boy after making a vow.

12 Sikh Temple (Gurdwara), Selangor – This Gurdwara was established in 1900 and built by a group of Sikh policemen from India who arrived at the Kuala Selangor port. In keeping with the modern times, the present imposing Gurdwara was built at a cost of RM1.8mil in what is now known as Little India in Klang.

Thanneermalai Thandayuthapaani, Penang – The spiritual journey of this temple began way back in 1835 when a hermit started worshipping the symbolic Lord Muruga’s spear or vel near a waterfall in George Town.

Tampoi Muniswarar, Johor – It started in 1947 after the Japanese left Malaya and is acknowledged as the largest of Muneeswarar temples in Malaysia.

Bedong Mariamman, Kedah – The Muthumariamman temple at Harvard Estate in Bedong has a history of 107 years.

Mariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur – Situated in busy Kuala Lumpur, this temple is considered to be the mother of all temples in Malaysia. It was built in 1873 and the current Rajagopuram is the tallest temple structure in Malaysia.

Throubathai Amman, Malacca – The temple located in the historical city houses more than 1,000 idols. Its most important event is the festival of fire-walking.